The self-described “fairy-folk” singer-songwriter, Shira, has announced her upcoming EP, Birds of a Feather, with the release of the new single, “Go Uncharted,” via a premiere on Americana Highways. The first half of a two-part release, fully called The Birds of a Feather Flock Together, the EP will be released on September 18, 2020, with the full album to follow in 2021.
The songs on Birds of a Feather dive deep into fate, longing, and the idea of belonging. “I’ve been living in New York City for the past 11 years. It’s the best long-term-relationship I’ve ever had,” Shira says of “Go Uncharted.” “I wrote this song on the first day of my US tour last year. I was so excited to go, but somehow as I was looking in my rearview mirror and seeing my favorite skyline, I was missing her already.”
Born in Rochester, NY, to Israeli parents, Shira split her time growing up between Israel and the States. She and her family moved back to the US when she was 10; she knew three words of English at the time. She learned the language while listening to Beatles records, which also inspired her to start singing. Eventually, her brother introduced her to Ella Fitzerald, and Shira felt she “was healing me with her voice. I wanted to do that too, I wanted to heal through music.”
About ten years ago, that drive became even more prevalent. Serving in the Israeli Army band (similar to a USO tour), Shira was sent to perform for soldiers and citizens living in war zones. One performance was at an underground bomb shelter where families, including small children, were staying. After the performance, a six-year-old girl approached Shira. “She was wearing a summer dress covered in butterflies, and she ran up to me and held on to my leg asking me not to leave because I made her feel safe again. I knew this was my calling.”
Birds of a Feather was recorded live in one day at The Diamond Mine Studios in Queens, NY, where artists like Lady Gaga, Adele and the Black Lips have recently recorded. It was produced by Paul Carbonara, of Blondie, who also played guitar, and features drummer Dan Pugach. In addition to vocals and guitar, Shira plays ukulele and is endorsed by Kala Ukuleles.
Like many, Shira is currently living in a time of uncertainty. When COVID hit the US, she made the decision to return to Israel to be with her family. Her fiancé, however, is in Barcelona, and their wedding has been postponed. As she’s done her whole life, she is looking to music for hope and strength, themes that are evident in many of her songs. She explains, “Birds of a Feather is about finding yourself first, exploring, not being afraid to ask for what you want, struggling with the fear of never being seen, listening to your inner voice over outside noise, letting go and trusting.”
